Bō - Revision history

YellowHatGuy at 18:34, 5 February 2020

2020-02-05T18:34:48Z

YellowHatGuy at 11:13, 24 June 2019

2019-06-24T11:13:13Z

YellowHatGuy at 02:59, 8 June 2019

2019-06-08T02:59:05Z

YellowHatGuy at 02:56, 8 June 2019

2019-06-08T02:56:26Z

YellowHatGuy: /* Tips on Selecting a Bō */

2018-05-26T14:27:48Z

Tips on Selecting a Bō

YellowHatGuy: /* Tips on Selecting a Bō */

2018-05-26T14:23:53Z

Tips on Selecting a Bō

YellowHatGuy at 02:38, 24 March 2017

2017-03-24T02:38:58Z

YellowHatGuy at 16:30, 5 March 2017

2017-03-05T16:30:00Z

YellowHatGuy at 03:02, 14 September 2016

2016-09-14T03:02:58Z

YellowHatGuy: Created page with "A bō is a staff or pole. The art of using a staff as a self-defense tool (bōjutsu) is a major component of kōbudō, and many other martial traditions because: *'''Bōjutsu..."

2016-09-14T03:02:41Z

Created page with "A bō is a staff or pole. The art of using a staff as a self-defense tool (bōjutsu) is a major component of kōbudō, and many other martial traditions because: *'''Bōjutsu..."

New page

A bō is a staff or pole. The art of using a staff as a self-defense tool (bōjutsu) is a major component of kōbudō, and many other martial traditions because:
*'''Bōjutsu is a fundamental skill.''' The bō is one of the easiest weapons to learn. Additionally, the skills learned in bōjutsu will carry over to all other polearms, like the yari (spear), naginata (glave), and eku (oar).
*'''Bō are easily improvised.''' Any tool with a long handle (i.e., broom, shovels, etc.), anything mounted on a pole (i.e. lamps, flagstaffs, etc.), many construction materials, tree branches, etc. can potentially be used as a weapon in an emergency.
*'''The bō is a formidable weapon'''. A bō grants its wielder a tremendous [[Zones|reach advantage]]. Since a bō requires the use of both hands, the [[Reciprocal_action|reciprocal action]] of a strike is added to the strike itself, greatly increasing its power. Since the weapon will bear all of the impact, its wielder can strike harder than normal, since there is no chance of injuring their hands, like there is in [[Punches|punching]].
*'''The bō offers a variety of force options'''. While the bō is a deadly weapon, it can also be used to disarm, incapacitate, or merely beat up an opponent. That is why in Western martial traditions, the bō is called a quarterstaff, because it can be used to “give quarter,” an old-timey expression that means “to show mercy.” This is in sharp contrast from other weapons, like knives, swords, or [[Kama|kama]], which can only maim or kill. (“No quarter asked and none taken.”)

For these reasons, the bō has earned a reputation as “the king of weapons.” However, it is far from perfect -- because its many advantages are also its many weaknesses:
*'''Bōjutsu is predictable.''' The bō is large, and it uses both hands, it is intrinsically [[Telegraphing|telegraphing]]. For example, after swinging to the right, the next move must be a thrust or a swing to the left. This is critical, because many of the standard defenses against staff-wielding attackers exploit this weakness to jam or trap the opponent’s staff.
*'''Bō are ineffective in confined spaces'''. The bō is cumbersome and requires lots of open space to be used effectively (e.g., parking lots, fields, the abandoned warehouse on Pier 54, etc.). However, in more confined places (e.g., hallways, apartments, aisles, etc.) you cannot swing the bō without hitting the walls, greatly reducing the available offensive and defensive options.
*'''Bō are ineffective at close ranges.''' The bō requires opponents to stand outside of [[Zones|punching range]], where it’s power is greatest. If you were to close the distance on a staff-wielding attacker, geometry will render their strike less powerful, and easier to [[Blocks|block]]. Likewise, the bō quickly becomes a liability in the [[Zones#Clinch|clinch]].
*'''[[Kūsankū]] movements are impossible.''' Because the bō requires both hands to operate, a bō can be used for offence or defense, but ''it cannot attack and defend simultaneously''. Most of the defenses against staff-wielding attackers are based on exploiting this weakness.

For more information on bōjutsu, please consult [https://www.amazon.com/Fumio-Demuras-Weapons-Self-Defense-Complete/dp/0897502116 Fumio Demura's Karate Weapons of Self-Defense: The Complete Edition], or a used copy of his earlier book, [https://www.amazon.com/BO-Karate-Self-Defense-Fumio-Demura/dp/0897500199 Bo: Karate Weapon of Self-Defense]. (Though this might seem like a cop-out, no one can do a decent job of teaching bōjutsu without blatantly plagiarizing that book in some way.)
==Kata==
We will not make an in-depth or rigorous study of bōjutsu; we will only explain how the bō is used within [[Goshin-Jutsu]] Karatedō; that is, our system’s forms for this weapon. Our weapons serves as a supplement and teaching aid to our empty-hands training, and primarily consists of practicing the and analyzing the bunkai for the following kata:
*[[Hajime Bō]]
*[[Heian Yodan Bō]]
*[[Nihon no Bōkata]]

==Tips on Selecting a Bō==
Many different styles of bō are commercially available, but the majority of them are junk.

A standard bō is 6’ (~183 cm) in length, and 1¼” (~3 cm) in diameter. Any staff or pole longer than 5’ (~152 cm) can be used as a bō. Shorter lengths are, by definition, jō (sticks), which require different techniques to be effective weapons. The diameter of the bō must be proportionate to its length, to avoid breaking. As such, your bō should be more that 1” (~2.5 cm) in diameter.

We prefer to use bō with slightly-tapered ends, since they offer more powerful thrusts and an improved [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moment_of_inertia moment of inertia]. However, a perfectly-straight bō is not “wrong.” Only using a competition bō is wrong.

''Seeing as how it’s just a big stick, there is no reason to pay more than $25 for a bō.'' Martial arts suppliers make their money off of catering to the vanity of the tournament scene, and a bō that sells for more than $25 is a surefire sign of flashy junk designed to impress judges; not to crack heads. Likewise, the budget-minded can just use the handle to a rake, shovel, etc. ''Cost does not imply quality.''

There are many performers on the karate tournament scene who use special lightweight staves that are easier to spin quickly, since they are more concerned with performing fancy twirls to please others than they are with developing a rugged character or self-defense skills. These competition (or “toothpick”) bō are tapered over their entire length, from a 1” (~25 mm) center diameter to a ½” (~13 mm) diameter ends. Toothpick bō are too flimsy to be used in training or self-defense. To illustrate this point to our students, we once snuck up behind our colleague, Mr. Heath, and started beating him with a toothpick bō. Not only was Mr. Heath completely uninjured, he wasn’t even angry -- just confused.

Many retailers sell bō made from lightweight materials, such as graphite, fiberglass, or rattan -- but these are toys for baton twirlers. We once saw a toothpick bō shatter during the normal performance of a [[Kata|kata]]. This is why a bō should be made from a quality hardwood, such as oak or cherry.

Likewise, a bō should be one, solid piece. Many competition bō come in sections that screw together like pool cues -- and this screw will loosen a little with each swing. Though they are easier to transport, these screw-together staves will only screw you over in self-defense.

@@ Line 28: / Line 28: @@
 A proper bō is made from a quality hardwood which is dense and tough enough to stop swords (e.g., oak, cherry, hickory).
-While many retailers sell bō made from lightweight materials (e.g., graphite, fiberglass, rattan), these are toys for baton twirlers. I once saw a lightweight toothpick bō shatter from [[Reciprocal Action|reciprocal action]] alone, during the normal performance of a solo [[Kata|kata]].
+While many retailers sell bō made from lightweight materials (e.g., graphite, fiberglass, rattan), these are toys for baton twirlers. I once saw a lightweight toothpick bō shatter from [[Reciprocal_action|reciprocal action]] alone, during the normal performance of a solo [[Kata|kata]].
 Likewise, a bō should be one, solid piece. Many competition bō come in sections and screw together like pool cues. Though these are '''much''' easier to transport, these screw-together staves will only screw you over in self-defense, because their connection loosens a little bit with every swing.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-A bō is a staff or pole. The art of using a staff as a self-defense tool (bōjutsu) is a major component of [[Kobudō|kobudō]], and many other martial traditions because:
+A '''bō''' is a staff or pole. The art of using a staff for self-defense (bōjutsu) is a major component of [[Kobudō|kobudō]], and many other martial traditions because:
-*'''Bōjutsu is a fundamental skill.''' The bō is one of the easiest weapons to learn. Additionally, the skills learned in bōjutsu will carry over to all other polearms, like the yari (spear), naginata (glave), and eku (oar).
+*''Bōjutsu is a fundamental skill.'' The bō is one of the easiest weapons to learn. Bōjutsu skills will carry over to all other polearms, making the yari (spear), naginata (glave), and eku (oar) easier to learn.
-*'''Bō are easily improvised.''' Any tool with a long handle (i.e., broom, shovels, etc.), anything mounted on a pole (i.e. lamps, flagstaffs, etc.), many construction materials, tree branches, etc. can potentially be used as a weapon in an emergency.
+*''Bō are easily improvised.''' Bōjutsu allows any long-handled tool (e.g., broom, shovels, etc.), or anything mounted on a pole (e.g., lamps, flagstaffs, etc.) to be used as a weapon in an emergency.
-*'''The bō is a formidable weapon'''. A bō grants its wielder a tremendous [[Maai#The Pocket|reach advantage]]. Since a bō requires the use of both hands, the [[Reciprocal_action|reciprocal action]] of a strike is added to the strike itself, greatly increasing its power. Since the weapon will bear all of the impact, its wielder can strike harder than normal, since there is no chance of injuring their hands, like there is in [[Punches|punching]].
+*''The bō is a formidable weapon''. A bō grants its wielder a tremendous [[Maai#The Pocket|reach advantage]]. Since a bō requires using both hands, the strike's [[Reciprocal_action|reciprocal action]] is added to the strike itself, increasing its power. The bō takes on all of the impact, so its wielder can then strike harder without injuring their hands.
-*'''The bō offers a variety of force options'''. While the bō is a deadly weapon, it can also be used to disarm, incapacitate, or merely beat up an opponent. That is why in Western martial traditions, the bō is called a quarterstaff, because it can be used to “give quarter,” an old-timey expression that means “to show mercy.”  This is in sharp contrast from other weapons, like knives, swords, or [[Kama|kama]], which can only maim or kill. (“No quarter asked and none taken.”)
+*''The bō offers a variety of force options''. The bō is a deadly weapon, but it can also be used to disarm, incapacitate, or merely beat up an opponent. This is why in Western martial traditions call the bō a quarterstaff, because it can be used to “give quarter,” an old-timey expression that means “to show mercy.”  This a sharp contrast from other weapons, like knives, swords, or [[Kama|kama]], which can only maim or kill. (“No quarter asked and none taken.”)
-For these reasons, the bō has earned a reputation as “the king of weapons.” However, it is far from perfect -- because its many advantages are also its many weaknesses:
+For these reasons, the bō has earned a reputation as “the king of weapons.” However, its far from perfect -- because its many advantages are also its many weaknesses:
-*'''Bōjutsu is predictable.''' The bō is large, and it uses both hands, it is intrinsically [[Telegraphing|telegraphing]]. For example, after swinging to the right, the next move must be a thrust or a swing to the left. This is critical, because many of the standard defenses against staff-wielding attackers exploit this weakness to jam or trap the opponent’s staff.
+*''Bōjutsu is predictable''. The bō is large and requires both hands, which makes it intrinsically [[Telegraphing|telegraphing]]. For example, after swinging to the right, the next move ''must'' be a thrust or a swing to the left. Many of the standard defenses against staff-wielding attackers exploit this weakness to jam or trap the opponent’s staff.
-*'''Bō are ineffective in confined spaces'''. The bō is cumbersome and requires lots of open space to be used effectively (e.g., parking lots, fields, the abandoned warehouse on Pier 54, etc.). However, in more confined places (e.g., hallways, apartments, aisles, etc.) you cannot swing the bō without hitting the walls, greatly reducing the available offensive and defensive options.
+*''Bō are ineffective in confined spaces''. The bō is cumbersome and requires large open spaces to be used effectively (e.g., parking lots, fields, the abandoned warehouse on Pier 54, etc.). However, in more confined places (e.g., hallways, apartments, aisles, etc.) you cannot swing the bō without hitting the walls, greatly reducing your available offensive and defensive options.
-*'''Bō are ineffective at close ranges.''' The bō's power is greatest at the ed of it's range. If you were to close the distance on a staff-wielding attacker, geometry will render their strike less powerful, and easier to [[Blocks|block]]. Likewise, the bō quickly becomes a liability in the [[Maai#The Clinch|clinch]].
+*'''Bō are ineffective at close ranges.'' The bō's power is greatest at the end of it's range. If you were to [[Maai#Closing the Distance|close the distance]] on a staff-wielding attacker, geometry will render their strike less powerful, and easier to [[Blocks|block]]. Likewise, the bō quickly becomes a liability in the [[Maai#The Clinch|clinch]].
-*'''[[Kūsankū]] movements are impossible.''' Because the bō requires both hands to operate, a bō can be used for offence or defense, but ''it cannot attack and defend simultaneously''. Most of the defenses against staff-wielding attackers are based on exploiting this weakness.
+*''[[Kūsankū]] movements are impossible.'' Because the bō requires both hands to operate, a bō can be used for offense or defense, but ''it cannot attack and defend simultaneously''. Most of the defenses against staff-wielding attackers are based on exploiting this weakness.
-For more information on bōjutsu, please consult [https://www.amazon.com/Fumio-Demuras-Weapons-Self-Defense-Complete/dp/0897502116 Fumio Demura's Karate Weapons of Self-Defense: The Complete Edition], or a used copy of his earlier book, [https://www.amazon.com/BO-Karate-Self-Defense-Fumio-Demura/dp/0897500199 Bo: Karate Weapon of Self-Defense]. (Though this might seem like a cop-out, no one can do a decent job of teaching bōjutsu without blatantly plagiarizing that book in some way.)
+For more information on bōjutsu, please consult [https://www.amazon.com/Fumio-Demuras-Weapons-Self-Defense-Complete/dp/0897502116 ''Fumio Demura's Karate Weapons of Self-Defense: The Complete Edition''], or a used copy of his earlier book, [https://www.amazon.com/BO-Karate-Self-Defense-Fumio-Demura/dp/0897500199 ''Bo: Karate Weapon of Self-Defense'']. (Though this might seem like a cop-out, no one can do a decent job of teaching bōjutsu without blatantly plagiarizing that book in some way.)
 ==Kata==
-We will not make an in-depth or rigorous study of bōjutsu; we will only explain how the bō is used within [[Goshin-Jutsu]] Karatedō; that is, our system’s forms for this weapon. Our weapons serves as a supplement and teaching aid to our empty-hands training, and primarily consists of practicing the and analyzing the bunkai for the following kata:
+We will not make an in-depth or rigorous study of bōjutsu; we will only explain how the bō is used within [[Goshin-Jutsu]]. Our weapons training serves as a supplement and teaching aid to our empty-hands training, and primarily consists of practicing the and analyzing the bunkai for the following [[Kata|kata]]:
 *[[Hajime Bō]]
 *[[Heian Yodan Bō]]
@@ Line 21: / Line 21: @@
 Many different styles of bō are commercially available, but the majority of them are junk.
-A standard bō is 6’ (~183 cm) in length, and 1¼” (~3 cm) in diameter. Any staff or pole longer than 5’ (~152 cm) can be used as a bō. Shorter lengths are, by definition, jō (sticks), which require different techniques to be effective weapons. The diameter of the bō must be proportionate to its length, to avoid breaking. As such, your bō should be more that 1” (~2.5 cm) in diameter.
+A standard bō is 6’ (~183 cm) in length, and 1¼” (~3 cm) in diameter. Any staff or pole > 5’ (~152 cm) long can be used as a bō; shorter lengths are considered jō (sticks), which require different techniques to be effective weapons. To avoid breaking, the bō's diameter must be proportionate to its length, so only weild bō which are > 1” (~2.5 cm) in diameter.
-''Seeing as how it’s just a big stick, there is no reason to pay more than $25 for a bō.'' Martial arts suppliers make their money off of catering to the vanity of the tournament scene, and a bō that sells for more than $25 is a surefire sign of flashy junk designed to impress judges; not to crack heads. Likewise, the budget-minded can just use the handle to a rake, shovel, etc. ''Cost does not imply quality.''
+''There is no reason to pay more than $25 for a bō.'' Martial art suppliers make their living by catering to the tournament scene's vanity, and a bō which sells for > $25 is a surefire sign of flashy junk designed to impress judges, and not to crack heads. Likewise, the budget-minded karateka can just use the handle from a rake, shovel, etc. ''Cost does not imply quality.''
-We prefer to use bō with slightly-tapered ends, since they offer more powerful thrusts and an improved [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moment_of_inertia moment of inertia]. However, a perfectly-straight bō is not “wrong.” Only using a competition bō is wrong.  Many performers on the karate tournament scene use special lightweight staves which are easier to spin quickly, since they are more concerned with pleasing others with fancy twirls than they are with developing a rugged character or self-defense skills. These competition (or “toothpick”) bō are tapered over their entire length, from a 1” (~25 mm) center diameter to a ½” (~13 mm) diameter ends. Toothpick bō are too flimsy to be used in training or self-defense. To illustrate this point to our students, we once snuck up behind our colleague, Mr. Heath, and started savagely beating him with a toothpick bō. Not only was Mr. Heath completely uninjured, he wasn’t even angry -- just confused.
+We prefer to use bō with slightly-tapered ends, since they offer sharper thrusts and an improved [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moment_of_inertia moment of inertia]. However, using a perfectly-straight bō is not “wrong” -- but using a competition bō ''is'' wrong.  Many performers on the karate tournament scene use special lightweight staves which are easier to spin quickly, since they are more concerned with pleasing others with fancy twirls than they are with developing a rugged character or self-defense skills. These competition (or “toothpick”) bō are tapered over their entire length, from their 1” (~25 mm) center diameter to their ½” (~13 mm) diameter ends. Toothpick bō are too flimsy to be used in training or self-defense. To illustrate this point to one of our students, I once snuck up behind my colleague, Mr. Heath, and savagely beat him with a toothpick bō. Not only was Mr. Heath completely uninjured, he wasn’t even angry -- just confused.
-Many retailers sell bō made from lightweight materials, such as graphite, fiberglass, or rattan -- but these are toys for baton twirlers. We once saw a lightweight toothpick bō shatter during the normal performance of a [[Kata|kata]]. This is why a bō should be made from a quality hardwood, such as oak or cherry.
+A proper bō is made from a quality hardwood which is dense and tough enough to stop swords (e.g., oak, cherry, hickory).
-Likewise, a bō should be one, solid piece. Many competition bō come in sections that screw together like pool cues -- and this screw will loosen a little with each swing. Though they are easier to transport, these screw-together staves will only screw you over in self-defense.
+Likewise, a bō should be one, solid piece. Many competition bō come in sections and screw together like pool cues. Though these are '''much''' easier to transport, these screw-together staves will only screw you over in self-defense, because their connection loosens a little bit with every swing.
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	Likewise, a bō should be one, solid piece. Many competition bō come in sections that screw together like pool cues -- and this screw will loosen a little with each swing. Though they are easier to transport, these screw-together staves will only screw you over in self-defense.		Likewise, a bō should be one, solid piece. Many competition bō come in sections that screw together like pool cues -- and this screw will loosen a little with each swing. Though they are easier to transport, these screw-together staves will only screw you over in self-defense.
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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-A bō is a staff or pole. The art of using a staff as a self-defense tool (bōjutsu) is a major component of kobudō, and many other martial traditions because:
+A bō is a staff or pole. The art of using a staff as a self-defense tool (bōjutsu) is a major component of [[Kobudō|kobudō]], and many other martial traditions because:
 *'''Bōjutsu is a fundamental skill.''' The bō is one of the easiest weapons to learn. Additionally, the skills learned in bōjutsu will carry over to all other polearms, like the yari (spear), naginata (glave), and eku (oar).
 *'''Bō are easily improvised.''' Any tool with a long handle (i.e., broom, shovels, etc.), anything mounted on a pole (i.e. lamps, flagstaffs, etc.), many construction materials, tree branches, etc. can potentially be used as a weapon in an emergency.